Menstrual Disorders

Common Menstrual Disorders

• Irregular Periods (Oligomenorrhea): This refers to infrequent or irregular menstrual cycles. It can be characterized by cycles that are longer than 35 days or having fewer than nine periods per year. Irregular periods can be caused by various factors, including hormonal imbalances, stress, weight fluctuations, or underlying medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia): This is characterized by excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Heavy periods can significantly impact daily life, causing fatigue, anemia, and emotional distress. They may be caused by hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, polyps, or other underlying conditions.
• Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea): This refers to menstrual cramps or pelvic pain that occur during menstruation. The pain can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. While primary dysmenorrhea is often related to hormonal changes, secondary dysmenorrhea may be caused by conditions such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Diagnosis and Treatment

At our practice, we understand that every woman’s experience with menstrual disorders is unique. We take a personalized approach to diagnosis and treatment, carefully considering your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors.

Diagnosis:

• Detailed Medical History: We’ll start by discussing your menstrual history, including the frequency, duration, and severity of your symptoms.
• Physical Examination: A pelvic exam may be performed to assess your reproductive organs and identify any potential abnormalities.
• Additional Testing: Depending on your specific symptoms and medical history, we may recommend additional tests such as:
  • Ultrasound: To visualize your reproductive organs and identify any structural abnormalities.
  • Blood tests: To check hormone levels or screen for underlying medical conditions.
  • Endometrial biopsy: To examine a sample of the lining of your uterus for any abnormalities.
  • Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive surgical procedure to visualize your pelvic organs and diagnose conditions such as endometriosis.

Treatment:

The treatment for menstrual disorders varies depending on the underlying cause and the severity of your symptoms. Some common treatment options include:

• Medications:

  • Hormonal contraceptives: To regulate menstrual cycles and reduce heavy bleeding.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): To relieve pain associated with menstrual cramps.
  • Iron supplements: To treat anemia caused by heavy menstrual bleeding.
  • Other medications may be recommended depending on the specific diagnosis.

• Minimally Invasive Procedures:

  • Endometrial ablation: To destroy the lining of the uterus and reduce heavy menstrual bleeding.
  • Hysteroscopic myomectomy: To remove uterine fibroids through a minimally invasive procedure.
  • Laparoscopic surgery: To diagnose and treat conditions such as endometriosis.

• Lifestyle Changes:

  • Regular exercise: Can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce pain.
  • Stress management: Can help reduce the severity of menstrual symptoms.
  • Dietary modifications: Can help improve overall health and may reduce menstrual symptoms.

We’re Here to Help

If you are experiencing irregular periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, or painful periods, don’t hesitate to seek help. Dr. Ayser Almshhdani and her team are dedicated to providing compassionate care and helping you find relief from your symptoms. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your concerns and develop a personalized treatment plan.